Japan•AsiaPermanent Resident (永住者)
At a Glance
4-6 months
JPY ¥10,000
Indefinite
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Living in Japan
Overview
Indefinite residency status for foreign nationals who have lived in Japan long-term and meet income and conduct requirements, with no employment restrictions.
Japan Permanent Resident (永住者) status lets foreign nationals live and work indefinitely with no employment restrictions. The standard path requires 10 continuous years of residence (at least 5 on a work or long-term visa), good conduct, annual income of at least ¥3M, and timely payment of taxes and social insurance.
Stay is indefinite; the Residence Card renews every 7 years and a Re-entry Permit is needed for absences over one year. Spouses and children may obtain Spouse/Child status with unrestricted work rights. A guarantor who is a Japanese national or PR holder is required. The fee is ¥10,000, paid on approval.
This visa is ideal for long-term foreign residents who have built stable lives in Japan and want permanent status with full work freedom and no mandatory visa renewals.
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Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Good conduct: No criminal record, no significant traffic violations, and compliance with all Japanese laws.
Sufficient assets or ability to make an independent living: Stable income or assets to support oneself without relying on public assistance.
National interest: Generally requires 10 years of continuous residence in Japan, with at least 5 years under a work-permitting status (excluding Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (i)).
Exceptions to residence period: Spouses of Japanese nationals or Permanent Residents (3+ years of marriage and 1+ year of residence), Highly Skilled Professionals (70-80 points), or those with 5+ years of residence as a Long-Term Resident.
Compliance with public obligations: Proper and timely payment of taxes, national pension, and health insurance premiums.
Guarantor: Must have a Japanese national or a Permanent Resident as a guarantor who provides a letter of guarantee and proof of identity/income.
Maximum period of stay (as of Feb 24, 2026): Applicant must hold the maximum period of stay for their visa category (5 years for most work/family visas). A transitional provision allows those on 3-year visas to submit one application before March 31, 2027.
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
3,000,000 JPY/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Permanent Residence Application Form
ID photo (4cm x 3cm)
Passport and Residence Card
Letter of Guarantee and proof of guarantor's identity
Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) for all household members
Documents proving income and assets (e.g., employment certificate, tax returns, bank statements)
Proof of tax payment (Municipal tax certificates and National tax certificates)
Proof of pension and health insurance payments
Statement of reasons for applying (free format, in Japanese)
Documents proving family relationships (if applicable)
Letter of Acknowledgement (了解書)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Indefinite period of stay (no more visa renewals).
- No restrictions on employment or business activities.
- Easier access to bank loans, mortgages, and credit cards.
- Status is independent of marital status or employment status.
- Easier visa acquisition for family members.
Worth Knowing
- Strict screening process; application can be rejected for minor tax or insurance payment delays.
- Must still renew the Residence Card every 7 years.
- Requires a Re-entry Permit if leaving Japan for more than one year.
- Potential tax implications regarding worldwide income for long-term residents.
- Risk of revocation if involved in serious criminal activity or malicious non-payment of taxes/insurance (rules tightening in 2027).
Application Process
Confirm qualification based on current visa status and residence history.
Prepare all required documents, including proof of income, tax payments, and pension/insurance records.
Secure a guarantor (Japanese national or Permanent Resident) and obtain their required documents.
Submit the application to the regional Immigration Services Agency with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Wait for the screening process (typically 4–6 months).
Receive notification of the result; if approved, pay the ¥10,000 fee and collect the new residence card.
Related visas
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